Penguins Update: Rakell, Lizotte and Possibly Acciari Out for Sabres Game
Yikes. No sooner do I take my favorite pup, Zeusie, out for our noon-time constitutional, then things start to unravel for our Penguins.
Forwards Rickard Rakell (lower-body injury) and Blake Lizotte (expecting the birth of a child) are definitely out for tonight’s important clash with the Sabres. Battling an illness, Noel Acciari may miss the game as well.
In response, the Pens summoned Avery Hayes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The plucky 23-year-old right wing is second on the Baby Pens with 13 goals in 31 games. This on the heels of a 23-goal campaign (in 60 games) at Wilkes last season. If he plays, the 5’10” 180-pounder will be making his NHL debut.
Rutger McGroarty, who showed well in recent outings while Bryan Rust was serving a suspension (an assist and a plus-3) will likely be pressed into service. Perhaps veteran Kevin Hayes (no relation to Avery) if Acciari is a no-go.
It goes without saying the absences could have a particularly negative effect on our penalty killing and defensive play. Not exactly a welcome development when facing the high-powered Sabres, the league’s top-scoring team (along with the Pens) since Christmas.